According to present theories no strong magnetism could be expected in
elements comprising only s or p wave electrons (like carbon).
Also the observed magnetism is localized in tiny domains which constitute
a small fraction of the carbon material. Currently, however, it is not
known how to extend the magnetic behaviour to the whole bulk of carbon.
The challenge of discovering how to produce carbon-based magnetic materials
is at the base the present project named Ferrocarbon and funded by the
European Community. In a joint effort we will try to:

Discover ways to control the magnetic properties of carbon based materials;

Understand the microscopic origin of the ferromagnetism of these materials
sufficiently for the purposes of rational design;